Architect Niemeyer back in Rio hospital

By the Associated Press | November 7, 2012 | 12:33 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 10, 2010, Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer attends a ceremony where he was decorated with Spain's Arts and Letters medal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A spokeswoman for the Hospital Samaritano says the 104-year-old was admitted to the hospital in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, but did not give a specific reason for his hospitalization. Niemeyer designed much of Brazil's futuristic capital, Brasilia, and Rio's Sambadrome, where the annual carnival parade is held. He also helped design the United Nations building in New York City. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File)

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Celebrated Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer has been admitted to a hospital in Rio de Janeiro for dehydration.

The Hospital Samaritano said in a Wednesday statement that the 104-year-old was admitted on Tuesday and is in stable condition following the insertion of a gastric tube.

He is "lucid and breathing without the aid of machines," the statement said. No release date has yet been set.

Niemeyer spent two weeks at the Samaritano last month, also for dehydration. He was also hospitalized there in May for pneumonia and dehydration and last year for a urinary infection.

Niemeyer designed much of Brazil's futuristic capital, Brasilia, as well as Rio's Sambadrome, where the city's annual carnival parade is held. He also helped design the United Nations building in New York City.